Estuary test for energy harvester

PUBLISHED: 14:57 07 October 2008 | UPDATED: 09:45 10 June 2010

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7: A NEW cutting edge tidal energy device that can produce 50 per cent more electricity from waves than its predecessors will undergo tests in the Exe Estuary from the end of this month. The new device designed by Exeter-based Aqua Scientific, will harvest 5

A NEW cutting edge tidal energy device that can produce 50 per cent more electricity from waves than its predecessors will undergo tests in the Exe Estuary from the end of this month.The new device designed by Exeter-based Aqua Scientific, will harvest 50 per cent more power than two earlier prototypes.They say the device is an advancement on the traditional 'propeller' style blades used in previous models - this device has wider blades and acts 'like a combine harvester'.The 20 kilowatt turbine, funded by a £250,000 grant from the Technology Strategy Board, is due to be lowered from a barge in late October or early November with a 500kw upgrade next in line.Unlike most tidal energy generators, which require pilings driven into the sea bed at a cost of millions and to the detriment of the environment, the new prototype will be moored.